First-generation student mentors others like her

Teresa Dorado, Environmental science and visual communications major, Class of 2020

Teresa Dorado, a sophomore studying environmental science and visual communications, struggled to adjust to college life as a freshman. As the first in her family to attend college, she felt unsure of what to expect and whom to ask for guidance. She first got involved with Achieving College Excellence (ACE), a program that works with first-generation and low-income students, as well as students with disabilities, at Loyola. She benefited from ACE as a freshman and then became an ACE mentor herself.

In addition, Teresa is a member of a Christian Life Community and the Alternative Break Immersion program, which allows students to combine direct service and cultural immersion in a host community. With the support of the Loyola community and generous donors, Teresa has excelled at Loyola despite her initial fears. “Scholarship support motivates me to continue my studies, stay involved, and maintain focus during my undergraduate career,” she said.